Assistant Librarian, Synthesis and W.P. Scott Chair in Librarianship

The York University Libraries (YUL) at York University invites highly qualified applicants for an Assistant Librarian open continuing appointment position in Knowledge Synthesis (KS) to commence July 1, 2026. The successful candidate will also hold the endowed W.P. Scott Chair in Librarianship, with an initial two-year term, with the possibility of a one-year renewal upon successful review.

The KS Librarian and W.P. Scott Chair in Librarianship is focused on teaching, learning and research support for knowledge synthesis across health sciences as well as other subject areas. The successful candidate will be part of the Student Learning and Academic Success (SLAS) Department, within the Teaching and Learning Division. SLAS consists of librarians specializing in instruction and information and digital literacies.

The incumbent will also work closely with colleagues in YUL and researchers at York, to advance the priority areas of the University Academic Plan  and YUL’s Strategic Plan .

The W.P. Scott Chairholder will have access to $5,000 per year to support their research agenda, including publications and presentations at conferences and meetings. An additional amount of up to $10,000 per year is available to the Chairholder to convene a seminar. These amounts will be approved by the Dean as appropriate.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The KS Librarian and W.P. Scott Chair will:

• Work closely with colleagues in SLAS to co-lead and co-deliver services and programs in alignment with the department's team-based approach while focusing on specialization in knowledge synthesis, teaching and research
• Provide instruction, workshops, and consultations to York students, faculty, and staff
• Deliver programming in the Health Sciences in support of health research and knowledge synthesis
• Provide guidance to graduate students and researchers for scoping reviews, systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis reviews
• Provide knowledge synthesis expertise for grant-funded projects
• Provide knowledge synthesis skills development for librarians and archivists with different specializations
• Support teaching and learning, pedagogy, research, knowledge synthesis and health sciences librarianship through participation in university-wide committees
• Engage in ongoing self-directed learning and professional development to keep abreast of changes in the knowledge synthesis landscape
• Provide active, collegial participation on Library and University committees and groups
• Represent the Libraries on local, regional, consortial, and/or international organizations, committees, and initiatives
• Maintain an active research agenda through research, publication, and participation in professional and/or academic organizations

Candidate

Qualifications:

Degree: Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) degree from an ALA-accredited program or its recognized equivalent, is required.

Required experience:

• Superior written and spoken communication in English
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Experience in designing and delivering library classes that develop KS skills
• Expertise in developing complex and comprehensive search strategies suitable for KS publications, utilizing database platforms
• Experience with systematic review management tools
  
  A record or evident promise of research contributions in the form of publications or conference presentations. This may include co-authorship on knowledge synthesis projects
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative knowledge synthesis methodologies such as Joanna Briggs Institute and Cochrane

Demonstrated experience:

• Understanding of sound pedagogical practice
• Ability to provide research consultation services to researchers with varying levels of expertise
• Aptitude for adapting to new responsibilities and environments, while also demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning
• Ability to advance new programs and services in a collaborative, team-based environment
• Knowledge of KS research processes, the research lifecycle, and trends in research and knowledge synthesis
• Leadership capacity and evidence of navigating complex administrative environments and building effective working relationships with a diverse population of…